Monte-Carlo simulations

Introduction


The Monte Carlo method is generally attributed to scientists working on the development of nuclear weapons in Los Alamos during the 1940s, notably Enrico Fermi, Stan Ulam, John von Neumann and Nicholas Metropolis.

Monte Carlo method obtains physical quantities by simulating the interactions of a large number of individual particles, and book-keeping some of their properties. The average behavior of particles in the physical system is then inferred (using the central limit theorem) from the average behavior of the simulated particles. This way one can solve complicated problems that cannot be described or modeled by computer codes based on deterministic methods.

Calculations with Monte-Carlo codes

In gamma-spectrometry:
  • the detector response function can be obtained. This is helpful for the identification of various spectrum components and predict some characteristics before the actual measurement is made. On the other hand, it is capable to calculate response functions for energies where no source is available.
  • calculate self-absorption and self-shielding of inhomogeneous materials
  • optimize the arrangement of the gamma and neutron shielding
  • dosimetry calculations

Calculation of the response function in close-in geometry, for a bulky sample

Presently the package MCNP5 is used, but the application of Geant4 is also a short-term goal.

Contact Person

For more information about Monte-Carlo simulations, please contact László Szentmiklósi.